DAVID S. BRUCE, M.

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This study examined two minimally invasive treatments for early-stage rectal cancer: transanal endoluminal surgery (TES) and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). The research found that TES patients had a significantly lower chance of dying within one year (2.3% compared to 10.1%) and ten years (11.6% compared to 27.1%), along with fewer complications and lower hospital readmission rates. This matters because it suggests that TES may be a safer and more effective option for patients at the start of their rectal cancer treatment journey. Who this helps: Patients with early-stage rectal cancer.

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This study looked at how to predict whether patients who experience acute pancreatitis will develop diabetes later on. Researchers found that out of 891 patients studied, 7% (62 individuals) developed new-onset diabetes about 28 months after their initial hospitalization. The study created a scoring system called CAPS, which includes factors like a history of liver disease and severity of pancreatitis, to help doctors identify patients at risk for diabetes. Who this helps: This helps patients recovering from acute pancreatitis and their doctors.

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This study looked at over 17,700 adults in Mongolia from 2015 to 2023 to understand advanced chronic liver disease (aCLD), which can lead to liver cancer. They found that 14.2% of the people had aCLD, with a significant drop in cases linked to hepatitis C, while cases related to hepatitis D increased. This matters because most of the individuals at risk had not received treatment, highlighting the need for better healthcare access for those at risk, especially middle-aged people. Who this helps: Patients with chronic liver disease and healthcare providers.

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This study looked at 2,382 patients in Mongolia who had both hepatitis B and hepatitis D, focusing on the levels of a liver enzyme called ALT. They found that 78.5% of these patients had elevated ALT levels, with the highest rates (84.5%) in young adults aged 18-20. The research highlights that younger patients with hepatitis D tend to experience more severe liver inflammation compared to those with just hepatitis B, which is important for guiding treatment decisions. Who this helps: This benefits patients with hepatitis D and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at the long-term risk of liver cancer (HCC) in patients with chronic hepatitis C who had been treated with direct-acting antiviral (DAA) drugs and had achieved a viral cure. Researchers found that over 1.8 years, 1.3% of these patients developed HCC, with higher liver stiffness measurements (LSM) indicating higher cancer risk; for example, patients with an LSM ≥20 kPa had a 10.5 times greater risk compared to those with LSM 9.5-12.5 kPa. The research resulted in a new risk score that helps identify low-risk patients who may not need ongoing monitoring for liver cancer, which could improve care and reduce unnecessary procedures. Who this helps: This benefits patients with hepatitis C and healthcare providers by allowing better-targeted monitoring.

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This study looked at how patients with Medicaid insurance fare after undergoing surgery to treat infections related to joint implants. Researchers found that out of over 40,000 patients, those on Medicaid had a higher risk of complications, like sepsis and readmission to the hospital, compared to those with other types of insurance. Specifically, Medicaid patients spent about 9.5 days in the hospital, compared to 6.7 days for non-Medicaid patients, and their in-hospital death rate was higher (0.81% vs. 0.48%). Who this helps: This research helps policymakers and healthcare providers understand the challenges faced by Medicaid patients after joint surgery.

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This study looked at a rare heart condition called pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum, focusing on how different heart measurements can predict surgery outcomes for these patients. Researchers reviewed cases of 40 children and found that 27.5% (11 patients) died, primarily among those who had less complex surgery options. They developed an online calculator that uses two specific heart measurements to accurately predict whether a child can have a surgery that preserves both heart ventricles; this tool has a 93% success rate in identifying suitable candidates. Who this helps: This research benefits doctors and cardiac surgeons who treat children with this heart condition.

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This study looked at how effective clinical teaching associates (CTAs) are at helping medical students learn to perform male intimate examinations. Researchers worked with 96 third-year medical students, finding that those who practiced with CTAs scored better on practical exams than those who only used traditional learning methods, with significant improvement in 55% of the skills tested. This matters because better training leads to increased student confidence and competence in a delicate area of medical practice. Who this helps: Patients benefit from having better-trained medical students conduct intimate examinations.

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This study looked at how catheter ablation (a procedure to treat abnormal heart rhythms) affects breathing efficiency in patients with both atrial fibrillation and weakened heart function. Researchers found that before the procedure, 19.2% of participants experienced a specific type of breathing problem, called EOV, and nearly half had an abnormal breathing efficiency measurement. After the procedure, 80% of those with EOV saw improvement, and the number of patients with abnormal breathing efficiency dropped from 48.1% to 34%. This is significant because better breathing efficiency can lead to improved heart failure symptoms and overall health for these patients. Who this helps: Patients with atrial fibrillation and heart failure.

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The study looked at how to shorten wait times and enhance the experience for patients at a menopause clinic after a new electronic records system made appointments longer. By using an online questionnaire for patients to fill out before their visits, the clinic found that patients had a positive response and understood the process well, leading to improved efficiency. This approach may help reduce wait times and improve overall patient satisfaction during their appointments. Who this helps: This helps patients at the menopause clinic.

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This study looked at how well people with moderate aortic stenosis (a heart condition) can exercise compared to healthy individuals of the same age and sex. The researchers found that patients with moderate aortic stenosis had significantly lower exercise capacity indicators, such as oxygen uptake efficiency, with scores of 79% compared to 89% for healthy controls. This is important because it highlights that patients with this condition may be at greater risk for heart problems, indicating they might need closer monitoring and possible treatment. Who this helps: This helps patients with moderate aortic stenosis and their doctors in managing their condition more effectively.

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Researchers in Los Angeles County focused on connecting people with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) to treatment, as many residents were unaware of available resources. Out of 639 people interviewed, 84% knew they had HCV, but 70% had not yet started treatment. After engaging with individuals and following up three months later, 22% had begun or completed treatment, and 30% were assessed for treatment. This program is important because it helps increase access to lifesaving treatment, moving closer to eliminating HCV in the community. Who this helps: Patients with hepatitis C.

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This study looked at how involving adolescents in health research reviews can improve the relevance and quality of the findings. Researchers found that only 10 reviews included adolescents, with most of them participating by helping interpret results or co-authoring reports. The study emphasizes the importance of involving adolescents throughout the review process for better health outcomes for their age group but noted that the benefits of their involvement weren't clearly documented. Who this helps: This helps adolescents and organizations focused on improving adolescent health.

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This study looked at special types of tiny particles called copolymers that change shape in response to different pH levels. Researchers found that these particles can quickly swell and shrink, even in very weak acidic solutions, which makes them useful for creating sensors to measure pH changes, such as in ocean water that is becoming more acidic. This is important because it could help monitor environmental issues like ocean acidification that threaten marine life, especially organisms that build shells. Who this helps: This benefits environmental scientists and marine conservationists.

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This study looked at how earthquakes and rising sea levels could increase the risk of flooding along the coast of the Pacific Northwest, particularly in Washington, Oregon, and northern California. Researchers found that after a major earthquake, flood-prone areas could expand significantly—by up to 300 kilometers if subsidence is severe—more than doubling the risk of flooding for local communities. By the year 2100, this flooding risk could more than triple from what we face today, especially when combined with ongoing sea-level rise. Who this helps: This information helps coastal communities and local governments prepare for potential flooding and improve safety measures for residents and infrastructure.

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This study looked at how violence in neighborhoods affected physical activity levels in Chicago after the COVID-19 stay-at-home order. It found that people who reported daily violence were 35% less likely to engage in leisure-time physical activity. Additionally, certain racial and ethnic groups, including Black, Asian American/Pacific Islander, and Hispanic/Latino communities, were also less active compared to non-Hispanic Whites. Understanding these connections can help create better public health strategies to encourage physical activity in communities dealing with high violence. Who this helps: This helps community residents and public health officials working to improve safety and physical activity in high-crime areas.

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This study looked at how well cardiac sonographers can detect rheumatic heart disease (RHD) compared to pediatric cardiologists. It found that sonographers had a strong agreement with cardiologists when diagnosing RHD, with both groups showing high sensitivity (around 79-83%) and specificity (93-97%). This is important because it suggests that training sonographers to conduct screenings can help identify RHD more widely, particularly in underprivileged communities. Who this helps: This benefits patients at risk of rheumatic heart disease, especially in low-resource settings.

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This study looked at how using artificial intelligence (AI) during colonoscopy training affects gastroenterology fellows' ability to detect growths called adenomas. Researchers found that while the overall detection rates were similar (40.5% for AI-assisted and 35.0% for conventional methods), the rate of detecting adenomas on the right side of the colon was significantly better with AI assistance (24.1%) compared to conventional methods (16.5%). This improvement is particularly beneficial for junior fellows and demonstrates that AI can enhance the quality of colorectal cancer screenings. Who this helps: This benefits gastroenterology fellows in training and ultimately improves patient outcomes in cancer screening.

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This study looked at why many people in Los Angeles County do not complete their treatment for hepatitis C, even though it can be cured. Out of nearly 3,000 patients, only 21% were contacted, and most (72%) had not started treatment. The research found that younger people (ages 18-29) and those diagnosed by primary care doctors were the least likely to finish their treatment, while those between 30-44 years old and those tested by specialists were more likely to complete it. Who this helps: This information benefits patients and healthcare providers by highlighting where improvements can be made in treatment outreach and support.

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This study looked at how to increase the number of patients who get referred to cardiac rehabilitation (CR) after a procedure to open blocked arteries called PCI. After implementing a new referral process, including daily education and personalized outreach, the referral rate for CR doubled within three months and stayed above 97% for over a year. This is important because it helps ensure that more patients receive the support they need to recover and improve their heart health after PCI. Who this helps: This helps patients recovering from heart procedures.

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The study looked at how experiencing or knowing someone who experienced violence affected people's sleep after COVID-19 lockdowns in Chicago. They found that knowing someone who faced violence at home made it less likely for individuals to get enough sleep, with those affected having a 39% lower chance of meeting sleep recommendations. Additionally, Black participants had a 52% lower chance of getting enough sleep compared to others. This matters because lack of sleep can lead to serious health problems, highlighting the need for targeted support for those affected by violence. Who this helps: This helps patients and community organizations focused on mental health and well-being.

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This study looked at how effective high-frequency spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is for patients suffering from severe back pain that hasn’t improved with other treatments, over two years. Out of 125 patients, those receiving SCS experienced a 73% reduction in pain after 24 months, with 82% reporting significant pain relief. Additionally, their overall function and quality of life improved, and serious side effects were rare. Who this helps: This benefits patients with chronic back pain who have not found relief from traditional treatments.

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This study looked at how to improve HIV prevention and care for sex workers in Chicago by adapting a healthcare model called Centering, which has helped other groups with health disparities. Researchers used a structured process called ADAPT-ITT to involve sex workers and healthcare providers in redesigning the program; they conducted interviews and focus groups to gather input. As a result, they created a new 3-session guide specifically tailored to meet the unique needs of sex workers, which is ready for testing. Who this helps: This benefits sex workers by offering them tailored HIV prevention and care resources.

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This study looked at the outcomes of a special type of knee replacement called a rotating hinge knee prosthesis, used in 46 patients over an average of 7.6 years. Researchers found that 77.8% of these implants were still functioning well after this time, and patients reported significant pain relief, improving their quality of life scores from an average of 14.6 to 27.5 one year after surgery. Despite these improvements, there were still 29 complications reported, with issues like ongoing pain and infection being common, suggesting that while the surgery can be beneficial, doctors need to carefully discuss the risks with patients. Who this helps: Patients needing knee replacements, especially those with complicated conditions.

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This study looked at the effects of bariatric surgery on adults with severe obesity in Scotland. Among 335 patients who had the surgery, on average, they lost about 19% of their weight three years later, and 65.5% of those with type 2 diabetes no longer needed diabetes medications. This matters because it shows that bariatric surgery can lead to significant weight loss and improvement in diabetes, contributing to better health overall. Who this helps: Patients struggling with severe obesity and type 2 diabetes.

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This study looked at how general practitioners (GPs) in South East London referred patients to the menopause clinic at Guys and St Thomas’ Hospital from 2021 to 2022. Researchers found that 76% of the referrals followed national guidelines, but about one in six referrals could have been avoided or handled differently, highlighting a high demand for menopause care along with insufficient services. This matters because patients often wait up to a year for an appointment, indicating a need for better access and education for GPs. Who this helps: This helps patients experiencing menopause and the doctors who treat them.

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This study looked at how work-related factors affected mental health for Chicago residents two years into the COVID-19 pandemic. It found that 32% of people experienced some level of psychological distress, with higher rates among women, adults over 25, and those with higher incomes. Those who had job issues, like being laid off or experiencing reduced hours, were significantly more likely to suffer from mental health problems, with some experiencing distress nearly 11 times more than others. Who this helps: This research benefits workers, employers, and mental health professionals by highlighting the need for targeted support and interventions.

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This study reviewed 99 research articles to examine the benefits of involving adolescents in health research. It found that when young people participate in research, they gain valuable knowledge and skills, improve their personal development, and experience academic and career growth. Additionally, research studies become more relevant to adolescents, leading to better recruitment strategies and research outcomes. Who this helps: This benefits adolescents, researchers, and the healthcare community.

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This study looked at ways to make endoscopy units, where procedures like colonoscopies are performed, more efficient. Researchers implemented small changes, such as adding an early visit from the anesthesia team, which cut down the time between procedures by about 15.5 minutes. Overall, these improvements led to an 18% increase in the number of procedures done in a given time, which is significant for better patient care and resource use. Who this helps: This benefits patients by increasing the number of procedures completed and reducing wait times.

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This study focused on reducing the accidental prescribing of estrogen-only hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in primary care. It found that several factors, such as how medications are prescribed and how well patients understand their treatment, contribute to this issue. The researchers suggest improving the prescribing system and educating healthcare providers and patients to help prevent serious risks like endometrial cancer from unopposed estrogen use. Who this helps: This benefits patients who are prescribed HRT and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at existing guidelines for involving teenagers in health research. Researchers found that the current guidelines are often too limited and of low quality, with many focusing only on specific areas and not providing comprehensive recommendations for involving adolescents across different research contexts. This matters because better guidelines can improve how adolescents participate in health research, ensuring their voices and needs are considered. Who this helps: This helps patients, especially adolescents, by ensuring their perspectives are included in health research.

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This study looks at the eye injuries caused by rubber bullets during protests in South Africa. It found that many protesters and bystanders suffered from serious eye injuries, which often have lasting physical and psychological effects. Specifically, these injuries are common and frequently occur due to careless use of rubber bullets by police, highlighting the urgent need for better medical and legal support for victims. Who this helps: This helps protest victims and their families, as well as healthcare providers and legal advocates.

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This study examined the severity of COVID-19 outcomes among unvaccinated adults in Sweden under 65 years old, focusing on three different variants: Alpha, Delta, and Omicron. Researchers found that hospitalizations increased during the Alpha and Delta periods but dramatically decreased during the Omicron period, with a hospital admission odds ratio of 0.1 for Omicron compared to Delta. This indicates that although earlier variants led to more severe outcomes, the Omicron variant was much less severe. Who this helps: This helps healthcare providers and public health officials understand the changing impact of different COVID-19 variants on patient care.

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This study looked at young people under 21 who use medical cannabis in the United States from 2019 to 2023. Out of nearly 14,000 patients, 5.7% were minors (aged 0-17) and 94.3% were young adults (18-20), with anxiety being the most commonly reported issue for both groups. Understanding these patients helps in creating safer and more effective treatment plans specifically for younger users of medical cannabis. Who this helps: This helps patients, doctors, and healthcare policymakers.

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This study looked at why less than 1% of health research involving children and teenagers includes their input. Researchers found several challenges preventing both teenagers and researchers from working together effectively, such as a lack of resources, training, and negative attitudes toward including youth in research. Understanding these barriers is crucial because it can help develop better ways to involve adolescents in health studies, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are addressed. Who this helps: This helps adolescents by improving their involvement in health research that directly affects them.

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This study looked at new metal complexes made with iridium and a specific chemical structure called 1,2,4-triazine. Researchers found that these complexes, which normally do not emit light, start to glow when they react with certain molecules; specifically, they reacted faster with a particular compound than the uncoordinated chemicals. This discovery is important because it opens up possibilities for using these glowing complexes in medical imaging, allowing for better visualization in biological research. Who this helps: This research benefits scientists working in medical imaging and antibody labeling.

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This paper discusses an updated framework for evaluating public health programs created by the CDC in 2024. The new framework includes six steps for planning and implementing evaluations, emphasizes collaboration and equity, and introduces updated standards to ensure high-quality evaluations. This is important because it provides clearer guidance for program evaluators to improve public health outcomes and make informed decisions based on evidence. Who this helps: This helps public health officials, program managers, and researchers.

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This study looked at how to improve mental health care by using a method called the Behavioral Health Home Plus (BHHP) in two groups: young people in psychiatric treatment and adults receiving help for opioid addiction. The researchers found that training and support led to better integration of physical and mental health services, which is crucial since both groups are at high risk for serious health issues. Their findings showed that using a collaborative approach successfully helps incorporate these health models into everyday care. Who this helps: This benefits patients in mental health and addiction treatment, as well as the providers who care for them.

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This study looked at the key principles for prescribing metformin, a common medication used to treat type 2 diabetes. Researchers found that while metformin is effective for managing blood sugar and preventing complications, it isn't always tolerated well, with about 15% of users potentially facing serious issues like lactic acidosis. Their findings emphasize the importance of monitoring patients' kidney function and discussing potential side effects, especially gastrointestinal problems. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors and patients managing type 2 diabetes.

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This study looked at how patients with infective endocarditis (IE) did when treated with either only intravenous (IV) antibiotics or a combination of IV followed by oral antibiotics in Los Angeles County hospitals between December 2018 and June 2022. It found that 90 days after treatment, both groups had similar rates of success—about 84% were alive and didn’t have any new infections—but those on oral therapy experienced significantly fewer side effects. This matters because it shows that oral therapy can be a safe and effective alternative to IV-only treatment, potentially leading to better experiences for patients. Who this helps: Patients with infective endocarditis can benefit from more flexible and less disruptive treatment options.

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This study looked at how stress during pregnancy and a mother’s immune response might relate to the likelihood of having a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Researchers tested blood samples from 53 mothers with children diagnosed with ASD and found that while both high stress levels and the presence of certain antibodies were common, they didn’t seem to be connected to each other. This matters because it suggests that prenatal stress and immune system changes may both contribute to ASD independently, which could change how we understand and address this condition. Who this helps: This helps mothers who are pregnant and healthcare providers working with families affected by autism.

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This research study aims to create better guidelines for involving young people, specifically adolescents, in health research. The researchers will review existing studies about how adolescents can participate in research that affects their health, looking for both the challenges they face and the best practices that work. This is important because more effective youth involvement can lead to better health outcomes and make research more relevant to young people's needs. Who this helps: This helps adolescents and the researchers who study their health.

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This study looked at how sex workers in Chicago were affected by COVID-19 from 2019 to 2022. Researchers interviewed 36 sex workers and found that their physical and mental health, safety, and financial stability worsened during the pandemic. It showed that sex workers are especially vulnerable in health crises and need more support to stay safe and healthy. Who this helps: This benefits sex workers and organizations that support their health and safety.

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This study looked at how the hearts of children with rheumatic heart disease (RHD) change over time, focusing on the left ventricle. Researchers analyzed data from 146 children and found that those with severe RHD had significantly larger heart volumes compared to those with mild or moderate RHD when they were diagnosed, and these heart dimensions worsened over an average follow-up of 4.6 years. Meanwhile, children with mild or moderate RHD showed stable heart size and function, suggesting they may not need as frequent check-ups. Who this helps: This helps doctors by providing important information for managing follow-up care in children with rheumatic heart disease.

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This study looked at how quickly the heart rate returns to normal after older people stand up or exercise. Researchers found that for 87 participants, the heart rate recovery after standing and after exercise was very closely related, with a strong correlation of 0.81. The study revealed that those with a slower recovery (12 beats per minute or less) had poorer heart and lung fitness, which matters because it can indicate a higher risk of health problems. Who this helps: This information is valuable for doctors treating older patients and assessing their heart health.

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This research looked at the risk of liver cancer (HCC) in African-born individuals with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) who do not have cirrhosis. They found that out of 3,865 people studied, 31 (or 0.8%) developed liver cancer over an average of 11 years. The risk of developing liver cancer was higher in men, especially those aged 50-60, and significantly increased if they also had hepatitis C or D co-infections. Who this helps: This information is useful for doctors and healthcare providers in screening and monitoring African-born patients with chronic hepatitis B to improve early detection and treatment outcomes.

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This study looked at the use of intravaginal dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) to treat vaginal dryness and pain during sex in postmenopausal women. Researchers found that DHEA provided only a small additional benefit over a placebo, with symptom scores dropping by just 0.4 points more than the placebo group, which reduced symptoms by 0.9 points. This matters because the results are unclear and rely on measures that aren’t well-validated, meaning we can’t be sure how much DHEA actually helps or if it's safe for all women. Who this helps: This study concerns postmenopausal women experiencing vaginal symptoms, as well as their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how a customized exercise video program could help older adults recover their strength and mobility after being discharged from the hospital. Over six weeks, 15 frail older adults showed significant improvements: they moved faster (gait speed increased by about 0.1 to 0.2 meters per second) and became more active, participating in moderate and light physical activities 2.5 and 1.3 times more often, respectively. These findings are important because they highlight a successful method to encourage exercise and enhance quality of life for older adults who often struggle with staying active. Who this helps: This helps older adults and their caregivers.

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The study looked at the problems caused by wisdom teeth (third molars) in young adults, specifically focusing on how common pain and other symptoms are. They found that 56.6% of participants reported experiencing pain from their wisdom teeth, with women nearly twice as likely to report swelling and pain compared to men. Understanding these factors is important for improving treatment and care for those affected by wisdom tooth issues. Who this helps: This helps young adults experiencing wisdom tooth pain and their dentists.